My ABS lite is on and The readout on the dash says" DSC System Fault" If I turn the car off and restart, sometimes the code is gone. But sometimes it reappears. The car seems to run smooth going down the road. Idle sounds a little rougher than normal, but nothing outlandish. Any idea as to where to start looking for my problem?

 

The DSC system seems to be over sensitive on the 4.2 litre vehicles. It controls the ABS, traction control and yaw control in combination so multiple error and/or warning messages aren't unusual.

A fault with the DSCCM (the DSC Control Module) would be permanent. An intermittent fault as you describe is more likely to be a wheel speed sensor or its connecting harness.

The only way to identify and isolate the fault is to have the DTC's read. The DSC system sets 'Cxxxx' (chassis) codes so a basic code reader won't read them.

Graham

 

I had a DSC fault show up on my 03 XKR last year. It did not show up the next day and it has not reappeared since.

 

Sqeeter, I started getting an intermittent DSC fault a few months ago. It went on (and off) for weeks. Just before I was going to pull the wheels to clean the ABS sensors, a known cause, it stopped showing up. Before that it was the cruise control not working/check brake lights message. It wouldn't be there when I started the car, but sooner or later as I was driving it would appear. I was this close to tackling the dreaded brake light switch replacement when that fault stopped showing up. I have gotten neither alert now for some time. With luck, your DSC fault will clear itself, although cleaning the sensors is an easy job, which could solve it.
P.S. I notice my DSC off switch is sticky and sometimes needs a little coaxing with a pen knife to get it to pop out again after pressing it in. Same with my emergency flasher switch; have driven for miles with the flashers on because the switch was sticky. Not broken just stubborn.

 

Stamford:

You can fix the sticking switches (DSC and Hazard) by slightly loosening the Torx fasteners that hold that particular switch pack in place. The plastic switch pack expands in the heat and if these fasteners are too tight the switches will stick. You will need to remove the console to do this which is fairly easy. See the FAQ section.

My switches were always sticking, especially when I lived in Arizona. If I was driving with top down and the temp. climbed above 92 I'd pull over hit the hazards and remove the top cover so I could put the top up. The Hazard switch would always stick (because of the heat I discerned). So the next time I was in there, changing light bulbs, I backed off the fasteners a bit and never had sticking switches again.

I hope this helps!

 

With nothing better to do at 5:30 Am, I went out and jacked up my baby,and proceeded to clean the speed sensors. In less than 200 feet of driving the DSC fault is gone. Thanks guys for the help. If you're ever in my neck of the woods I owe you a beer.

 

Result.

If you happen to be awake at 05:30 tomorrow, you're welcome to call round and clean mine. I'll leave the car unlocked. Please be quiet as I like to get up at around 07:30.

Graham

 

No problem GGG, I'm always up at 4:30 AM. Usually doing my morning workout by 5:30. I appreciate the help.

 

Hey Mark, Absolutely helps. That's good to know. I'll be in there soon to install the RealGauge temp gauge and to replace the bulbs. One is out, so may as well change them all.

 

I had a similar issue on my 2004 xk. I found a post to clean the speed sensors on each wheel. Problem gone. Going on 3 years!